Having come to terms with her long-hidden identity, Princess Rynnaia E’veri is ready to take her rightful place. But before she can join her father at Castle Rynwyk, she must endeavor to fulfill a 200-year-old prophecy and defeat the Kingdom’s ancient enemy, the Cobelds. Joined by her faithful knight, Sir Julien de Gladiel, and a gifted group of friends, Rynnaia must trek a dangerous path through canyons, forests, and into the very depths of a mountain where, if the prophetic scrolls prove correct, she will face an unknown foe, alone. Treacheries will be discovered, sacrifices will be made, friends will be lost, and love will be tested, but if even one line of the riddled prophecy is misinterpreted, Rynnaia will fail . . . and the Kingdom will fall.

Beginning at the point The Ryn ended, The Remedy concludes an epic re-imagining of the classic Grimm fairy tale, Snow White & Rose Red, but the Eyes of E’veria series is only beginning …

Why you should read it: I always knew Serena could write. Her talent with and love for words are more than evident in the entertaining and enlightening reviews and interviews she prepares for Happy Ever After. But it wasn’t until I read her debut book, The Ryn, that I realized she could write. And like the Princess of E’veria, who time and again surprises her subjects with the strength and breadth of her powers, Serena continues to impress and delight me with her ability to craft a magnificent story.

The Remedy continues the captivating tale started in The Ryn, following the adventures of Princess Rynnaia as she searches for the sacred cure that will save her mother … and the entire kingdom of E’veria. The fairy-tale world Serena has created is lush and inventive and romantic and challenging, with Christian parallels as clever as they are exalting. Rynnaia has lessons to learn as she struggles to adjust to her powers, and Julien is a true knight in shining armor as he protects and woos the princess, but at the same time finds the strength to allow her to make the sacrifices that will rescue the realm.

This sequel offers so much to glory in, but my absolute favorite aspects are the flawed, faith-tested characters; the rich dialogue and humor; the sharp suspense, and the small details that add so much to the story, such as the alluring riddles of the scrolls, the color of the Gladiel knights’ eyes and the means of Julien’s courtship. If you find yourself craving a fast-paced, poignant, uplifting read, Serena Chase has The Remedy.

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Skin Deep by Pamela Clare

What it’s about (back cover copy courtesy of Pamela Clare):

Broken on the inside

Megan Hunter has worked hard to get back on her feet, leaving the nightmare of her teenage years behind. The last thing she wants or needs in her life is a man. But when she is attacked by someone from her past, a scarred stranger intervenes, saving her life and that of her little girl. Looks can be deceiving, for despite the man’s rough appearance, she feels safe with him. And for the first time in her life, she knows the stirrings of desire.

Broken on the outside

Nathaniel West paid a high price serving with the Marines in Afghanistan. He returned to his family’s ranch in the Colorado mountains to heal—and be alone. Disfigured as he is, he has put all thoughts of sex and romance aside. But something about Megan brings him back to life, heats his blood, makes him feel like a man again. As danger pursues her, and the truth about her past is revealed, he vows to protect her—and to heal her wounded spirit. But confronting the past is never easy—especially when it’s carrying a gun. Megan will have to learn to trust Nate to survive and to claim a passion that is much more than … Skin Deep.

Why you should read it: Who can resist that back cover copy? After checking out the blurb, you probably took a few frantic seconds to add Skin Deep to your e-library, so I’ll make this quick — no doubt you’re desperate to read Nate and Megan’s story. What romance reader doesn’t enjoy a storyline involving a hero or heroine who’s damaged to the point of considering love a lost cause, only to meet that certain someone who can do the improbable, and resurrect hope? Pamela makes this I-Team novella irresistible by placing both the hero and heroine in this position — as well as in some serious danger — which results in a tense, wrenching read that’s both sweet and steamy. It’s a perfect mix of emotion and suspense.

Nathaniel West ignored the pain in his right arm and shoulder as he carried the case of frozen ground beef through the community kitchen’s back door.

Pushing through the pain to do a good deed? I’m all in at this point, and we’re not even past the opening line! Megan’s bravery is a perfect complement to Nate’s honor — their ability to see past the other’s scars offers understanding, healing and the promise of true passion. Cameos by heroes of past books will thrill I-Team fans, and the men’s fiercely protective and respectful attitude toward Megan, and their loyalty to each other, will be sure to recruit a brand new abundance of I-Team admirers — especially with the inclusion of the entertaining, testosterone-laden bonus short, Marc and Julian Make a Beer Run.

P.S. Did you know Pamela Clare also writes historical romance? Her 2013 RITA nominee, Defiant, takes place during the French and Indian War and is a masterful, remarkable tale of the love between an honor-bound Highland warrior and the unexpectedly courageous niece of his sworn enemy.

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Passionate Game by Michelle Monkou

What it’s about (back cover copy courtesy of Harlequin):

In the boardroom and the bedroom, Grant Benson has all the right moves. The sexy tech bachelor with the mocha-latte eyes has a million-dollar smile and a fortune to match. Grant didn’t gain his riches by being trusting, however—and he’s learned that beautiful and ambitious women usually want only one thing from him.

Committed teen mentor Tamara Wendell knows an adversary when she sees one. If it weren’t for all the students depending on her, she would walk away from the brash millionaire and his defensive attitude. But Grant’s company has a career-making internship program, and she will do whatever it takes to win him over.

Yet neither expects that their rivalry will transform into a deep, heated passion. Now Grant must confront his past hurts or risk losing the one woman who has ever been able to play on his level. Will their games of seduction end in heartbreak? Or will Grant finally win over Tamara and make her his for a lifetime?

Why you should read it: Michelle is super-savvy when it comes to creating sympathetic — and singular — characters. Tamara is a human rights activist, but she’s also a millionaire. She has a fun sense of humor, a stubborn streak that makes her loathe compromise, and a touching and unexpected part of her past that was the catalyst for her career. Grant is even wealthier, which provides a gratifying twist on the usual one has money and the other can’t deal premise. But Michelle doesn’t let that fascinating aspect stand alone — she burdens both of her main characters with well-motivated hang-ups about their affluence, and crippling family and media expectations. Tamara and Grant are both passionate people, and it takes them awhile to figure out how to get out of their own way so they can be together. Michelle Monkou knows how to build anticipation!

I also really enjoyed the relationship between Tamara and her best friend. These two women care about each other enough to be completely honest — even when it leads to hard feelings. How they handle their disagreements proves how close they are, and is yet another demonstration of the author’s knack for character building. For humor, too — there’s a lot of sass in these pages! A lot of sexy, too. Tamara and Grant play one Passionate Game — and the reader is the big winner!

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Playing the Part by Robin Covington

What it’s about (back cover copy courtesy of Entangled):

After publicly self-destructing over a heartbreak a year ago, bestselling romance writer Piper James is now making nice with her publisher by agreeing to teach Hollywood’s favorite action star how to act like he’s in love. Only playboy Mick Blackwell has no clue what love looks like.

When a seductive heat ignites between Piper and Mick, she jumps at the chance for a bit of fun between the sheets, but with two stipulations: she’s kept out of the public eye and things end when she returns to New York. Only Mick keeps changing the rules on her. Tempted by America’s favorite bad boy, Piper is wondering how far she’s willing to bend…

Why you should read it: Robin’s latest is a delectable addition to Entangled’s best-selling Brazen line. A saucy, sex-deprived author role-playing a forever romance with a bad-boy actor who indulges only in no-sentiment sex — and plenty of it? That’s a promise for all kinds of naughty and oh, yeah, it’s in there. Playing the Part is one raw, arousing read. But the story isn’t all fun and games. Careers are on the line here. If Piper can’t help Mick nail his movie role, her publisher will consider her persona non grata. And if Mick flubs his first non-action flick, he’ll never get another chance to prove that, onscreen, he can do more than riddle bad guys with bullets.

Hearts are on the line, too. Mick is a player and Piper is determined to follow his no-strings-attached lead. Then affection develops, and so does apprehension, because Piper isn’t used to having someone look out for her and Mick isn’t used to wanting more from a woman. Then the tabloid troubles begin and Mr. Cocky gets his comeuppance while Ms. Romance Writer reminds herself — there are no real-life happy ever afters.

I adored the humor — Mick and Piper share some slick and charming dialogue — as well as the freshness of Mick’s biracial background and how the author does not allow that detail to dominate the story. And have I mentioned Robin Covington knows her way around a sex scene? Have a cold drink at hand when you check out Playing the Part, ’cause it’s a scorcher.

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Deadly Charade by Virna DePaul

What it’s about (back cover copy courtesy of Harlequin):

District attorney Linda Delaney never imagined she would reunite with her former lover in a courtroom. Tony Cooper has been accused of murdering a notorious drug lord. In order to distance herself, Linda assigns Tony’s case to another. But she can’t escape him….

A threat to their lives brings Linda and Tony together once more, and their passion resurfaces. Despite his feelings for Linda, Tony can’t reveal his true identity as an undercover cop. In order to bring a drug supplier to justice, he must convince Linda that he is a criminal. Will he complete the assignment…or will his mission be jeopardized by new desires and hidden enemies?

Why you should read it: Talk about intense! The suspense, the mystery, the characters and their emotional struggles — from the very first page of the prologue, I was totally transfixed by Virna’s hero and heroine and the life they so desperately want but can’t achieve. Too many conflicts, not enough trust. And when Virna DePaul writes conflict, she does not fool around. Not only is Tony addicted to painkillers, but Linda’s childhood was scarred by her father’s addiction. And she’s a criminal prosecutor. And Tony makes her feel the drugs are more important than she is. And I’m still talking prologue here! When the story begins and Tony resurfaces, he and Linda face one obstacle after another — their past hurts, their current feelings, Tony’s murder charge, Linda’s judicial appointment — and all the while there’s a killer determined to make sure that neither Tony nor Linda survives the reunion.

Her hair was loose, her face bare of make-up and she was wearing a familiar-looking T-shirt, one of his, that she’d often worn to bed.

“I’ve been looking for that shirt,” he murmured.

She flushed, looking slightly guilty, then tipped up her chin. “You left it behind.”

“And you didn’t burn it. Why?”

“Why would I burn it, Tony? Breaking up with you wasn’t what I wanted. It was just what needed to be done.”

As heartbreaking as Tony’s drug problem is, I loved the novelty of a hero who’s not invincible. And Linda doesn’t always play fair — she does harp on the drug issue, but her doubts are understandable. This book has such a big thriller feel, yet it’s less than 300 pages long — now that’s tight writing. Deadly Charade is fast-paced, unpredictable, brutal and stirring. And speaking of addiction … if you aren’t already hooked on Virna’s work, after reading one page of this latest release, you will be.

Kathy Altman’s next contemporary romance novel, Staying at Joe’s, comes out in August. Kathy prefers her chocolate with nuts, her Friday afternoons with wine and her love stories with happy ever afters. Her website is KathyAltman.com.